Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jay DeMerit is again dealing with a nagging groin injury. DeMerit was bothered throughout preseason with the injury and has been able to play only 135 minutes so far this season.

"Now we're back to the drawing board," DeMerit told The (Vancouver) Province. "We'll come back tomorrow and assess it again and keep trying to fight. That's where we're at.

"Hopefully, one day, you get through 90 minutes. It didn't happen (last week), unfortunately, and I'm obviously very disappointed."

Two other key Vancouver defensmen, Greg Janicki (hip) and Mouloud Akloul (ankle), also are dealing with injuries, leaving the team shorthanded. Whitecaps coach Teitur Thordarson told the newspaper that he likely will turn to Alain Rochat and Michael Boxall on the back line Saturday vs. Chivas USA.